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Created by
Michael Kvitrud

Updated 11/27/01 by
Danelle Wiersma

Each month, member of AWRA go out to the Buena Vista marsh south of Stevens Point, WI to collect water samples and record  geomorphology features for the ditches.  Collected samples are then brought in the lab for further analysis.

Our secretary Natalie measuring stream flow using a Marsh - McBernie current meter.

Typical drainage ditch of the Buena Vista marsh. Measuring dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature of water Using Current meter to measure velocity and depth of stream The equipment used in the field consists of DO meter, sampling bottles containing preservatives, pump with filtering apparatus, and bucket for collecting samples.  Also used, but not shown, is a Marsh-McBirney current meter and tape measure.

The field portion of the Buena Vista project has aims of creating a relaxed setting for students to either brush up on or learn sampling techniques for the first time. Students are taught how to use current meters and incorporate them with other measured data to give the discharge of the stream. Water samples are also collected to analyze in the lab. The dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature are also measured with a DO meter. Geomorphology sheets are also completed to record information about the surrounding area.  Land practices, vegetation type, riparian area, and weather are all recorded. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the project and water sampling. It provides a number of benefits, not only by the experience it gives students, but also by getting people involved in their major or minors.

Students from an array of backgrounds participate in testing these samples. The amount of knowledge the student has about water sampling doesn't matter. All he or she needs is a willingness to learn and the field supervisors will teach the student the techniques to sample the water.

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UWSP AWRA Student Chapter University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Stevens Point, WI  54481 Phone: 715-346-4617 Email:  awra@uwsp.edu